Teenagers are exposed to external and internal struggles which can impact student success. The Black Horse Pike Regional School District aims to provide all students with the knowledge, attitudes and skills to cope with these obstacles and develop a healthy lifestyle. Providing mental health support and referral to services is an integral part of our district’s mission in promoting the well-being of each student. The district partners with a network of community services and agencies, creating a coordinated effort to promote a continuum of care and services for all students and families.
The Mental Health Assistance Counselor (MHAC) is a part of the student assistance program. The student assistance program is a comprehensive and integrated school/community program for prevention, intervention, support, and referral services for students at risk for substance abuse, addictive behaviors, and other mental health concerns.
The MHAC meets with students whose mental health is keeping them from succeeding both in school and outside of school. The topics discussed with students include but are not limited to anxiety, stress, depression, self-esteem, anger management and grief/loss. The MHAC also presents classroom lessons covering numerous mental health topics in order to provide education to the student about mental health.
Providing mental health support and referrals to outside treatment services is also an integral part of our School Counseling Department’s mission in promoting a healthy lifestyle. The MHAC partners with a network of community services and agencies, creating a coordinated effort to promote a continuum of care and services for all students and their families.
Our Mental Health Assistance Counselor is available to ALL students. Students can request an appointment with Ms. Altman electronically. Students are protected by federal law, which grants them confidentiality (excluding thoughts or attempts of suicide, physical/sexual abuse or neglect, or threats of physical/sexual abuse against another person). In addition to self-referral, teachers, administrators, parents and peers may refer a student to the MHAC when they are concerned about someone’s health and well-being. The first step of the referral process should be coordinated through the student's school counselor.